The Landmarks Preservation Commission has voted 7-1 in favor of a new two-tiered pier and promenade for the South Street Seaport Historic District.The approved designs are intended to transform Pier 15 on the East River and serve the Seaport’s growing residential community.. The plans for the East River Esplanade by SHoP Architects will turn the the old shipping terminal into an urban oasis with a park on the top level, a maritime-education center and cafes below, as well as places for boats to dock.

Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by 2011. The project is part of a $148 million plan to create a two-mile river esplanade from the Whitehall ferry terminal north to East River Park. Funding for the city project is by the Lower Manhattan Development Corp.'s 9/11 federal rebuilding grants. After a series of alterations, the plan received support from Community Board 1, the Municipal Art Society and the N.Y.C. Landmarks Conservancy. The city and SHoP Architects developed the modern design to balance history with the need for public recreation on the long-neglected riverfront.